Citizen Science Archaeological Digs Continue at Crossroads at Big Creek

Pink flags indicate location of artifacts. Submitted.

This is the week for digging at Crossroads at Big Creek as the 2016 Citizen Science Archaeological Dig has begun. Students and teachers from area schools as well as interested adults can assume the positions of “citizen scientists” and continue the work at the Ida Bay Preserve. They will conduct systematic excavations using modern archaeological methods and techniques and record artifacts and cultural features within a newly discovered 1,000-year-old archaeological site at Big Creek Cove Preserve.

According to Randy Dickson, the principal investigator from Midwest Archaeology Consultants, “Last spring, archaeologists from Midwest Archaeological Consultants excavated features along Big Creek. We discovered that in the distant past, people lived and harvested resources along Big Creek. Artifacts indicate a Late Woodland Period occupation by Native Americans subsisting on fish, small mammals, and deer.”

Interested adults or families can participate in a dig in several ways. During the school day, they can work side by side with the middle school citizen scientists or during the adult/family sessions from 2 to 3:30 pm, Sept. 30, Oct. 3 & 4. Pre-register for the digs by emailing [email protected].

The Collins Learning Center at Crossroads, open 2 – 4:30 pm daily, is located at 2041 Michigan, just east of the roundabout in Sturgeon Bay. Trails are always open to the public. Pets (on a leash and under control) are permitted. For maps and information go to crossroadsatbigcreek.org.